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 Lucy Ann Yakeleya, left, Clara Bates, Lesley Paulette and Angel Dacanay pose with the Wise Woman plaque that will be hung in the NWT legislature. Paulette was the only Wise Woman award recipient present at the ceremony. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo |
The annual luncheon is hosted by the Status of Women Council of the NWT to honour its five Wise Women, an honour bestowed on one woman in every region of the NWT. They were nominated for distinguishing themselves as role models in their communities.
This year's winners are the late Lena Anikina of Tuktoyaktuk, Edith Squirrel of Fort Providence, the late Florencia Dacanay of Yellowknife, Janet Grandjambe of Fort Good Hope and Lesley Paulette of Fort Smith.
More than 100 people gathered at the legislature to honour the five women.
Anikina's daughter, Clara Bates, tearfully accepted the award on behalf of her recently deceased mother.
"She was one of the kindest people I ever knew on earth," said Bates.
"She helped everyone even though she was not well off ... Mom thought the world was so beautiful."
"Mom, I know you're here in spirit and we're all so proud of you."
Anikina was a respected elder in Tuktoyaktuk. She worked hard to preserve the Inuvialuit culture and language and worked with researchers by translating oral history and identifying artifacts.
Dacanay, who was also known as "Flory," lived in Yellowknife for 29 years. She is a founding member of the Filipino Cultural Association of Yellowknife and never hesitated to help others adjust to their new home.
Her husband, Angel Dacanay, accepted the award on her behalf. He didn't go unmoved and thanked everyone for the honour.
"This award would have been the least thing on her mind," he said sadly, adding she did what she did because of the kind of person she was.
Squirrel, who could not attend, works at the Friendship Centre in Fort Providence. She was honoured because she is always available to help people during a time of crisis or grief.
Grandjambe, who was also absent, works as a school counsellor and alcohol and drug co-ordinator. She is seen as a great role model, dependable and humble.
Paulette was the only recipient who was present at the ceremony. As a midwife, she advocates for safe birthing and lobbies for the legalization of midwifery in the North. She also educates communities about reproductive health issues and helped organize Compassionate Friends, a grief support group.
